Use of Isozyme Polymorphism for Gender Evaluation in Kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa var. deliciosa)

Abstract

This study demonstrates the usefulness and applicability of isozyme variation as sex markers for identification of ( staminate and pistillate cultivars of the dioecious kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa var. deliciosa). Seven cultivars of kiwifruit were surveyed for isozyme polymorphism by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis using II enzyme systems. But only two enzyme systems peroxidase and catalase showed polymorphism leading to gender differentiation. The availability of enzyme markers for gender identification may be useful in kiwifruit breeding programmes and orchard plantations.